Mercer vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

Compare Mercer University in Macon, GA with The University of the South in Sewanee, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mercer University is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (9,196 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mercer University is located in Macon, GA (Small City setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Mercer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mercer University 11:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Mercer vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mercer or Sewanee? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Mercer University than Sewanee ($24,364 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mercer University are 5.4% lower than at The University of the South ($15,156 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 32.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mercer (about $13,808 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.6% higher at Sewanee than at Mercer University (about $13,808 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $42,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mercer University than at The University of the South (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 9.9% larger than aid received by Mercer University students ($37,171 vs. $33,808).

Mercer vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mercer or Sewanee? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Sewanee and Mercer.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 70 points higher than at Mercer (1260).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Mercer).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 1160/1350; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mercer University 25/31; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mercer - Required; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mercer Jul 1, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Mercer has a higher acceptance rate (68.9%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Mercer vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Mercer vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mercer and Sewanee? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The University of the South's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Mercer University's (60%).
• Graduates from Mercer University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Sewanee graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Mercer graduates ($19,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mercer graduates ($196 vs. $258).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mercer students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 45%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.